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Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Definition

A person with a passive-aggressive behavior pattern may appear to comply or act appropriately, but actually behaves negatively and passively resists. In the American Psychiatric Association's
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, passive-aggressiveness is not officially characterized as a personality disorder. Instead, passive-aggressiveness is labeled as an area that needs further study.

Causes

The cause of passive-aggressiveness is unknown. There may be environmental and genetic factors that contribute to the development of this behavior pattern.

Prefrontal Cortex

This part of the brain is believed to control our ability to act in a way that is socially appropriate. Biological changes to this area may contribute to behavior patterns.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of passive-aggressive behavior include:

Childhood abuse or neglect

Harsh punishment

Symptoms

Passive-aggressive behavior includes:

Contradictory and inconsistent behavior—A person with this behavior pattern may appear enthusiastic to carry out others’ requests, but purposely performs in a manner that is not useful and sometimes even damaging.

Intentional avoidance of responsibility—Some behaviors that may be used to avoid responsibility include:

Diagnosis

A mental health professional diagnoses passive-aggressiveness after doing a psychological evaluation. This may include a range of mental health and neurological tests to assess how the brain is functioning.

Treatment

There is no medication available for passive-aggressiveness. If
anxiety
or
depression
is also involved, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Antidepressants are medications that ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Counseling
can help you become aware of the problem and acknowledge the need to change.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent passive-aggressive behavior.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.